Job

Job 5: Proud schemes come to nothing

Begin in prayer

Before we hear Eliphaz’s confident promises, let us ask God for humble understanding. Ask Him to show our family the wisdom that defeats proud schemes and leads us to Christ.

Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for am I in the place of God?

Genesis 50:19

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Help us trust Your wisdom without making promises You have not given. Show us the wisdom revealed in Christ crucified. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Eliphaz warns that resentment kills the foolish man and jealousy kills the simple. He describes their downfall and the trouble that belongs to human life. He says he would seek God, whose wonders include rain, the rescue of the needy and the defeat of crafty plans. He calls the man God corrects happy and urges Job to accept that correction. Then he promises deliverance from famine, war, slander and destructive animals. A peaceful home, many descendants and death at a full age complete his assurance. He presents his conclusions as carefully searched truth that Job should accept.

As you read Job 5, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God defeats crafty wisdom and helps the lowly, but Eliphaz wrongly guarantees Job’s earthly safety.

Eliphaz speaks as though he has discovered the rule that explains every sufferer’s life. He rightly says God overturns human schemes and lifts the needy beyond the power of oppressors. Paul takes up the statement about crafty wisdom in 1 Corinthians 3 verse 19, confirming that truth. Eliphaz’s error lies in turning such truths into a diagnosis of Job and a guarantee of earthly safety. His promises reach from food and reputation to family, animals and a long life. Even his sound call to receive God’s correction cannot prove that Job’s losses punish a concealed wicked life. We can trust God’s wisdom without promising that a particular response will restore health and wealth. The proud certainty of the adviser needs the humility he urges on the sufferer.

How does Job 5 show us that God defeats crafty wisdom and helps the lowly, but Eliphaz wrongly guarantees Job’s earthly safety?

God brings human schemes to nothing.

Eliphaz describes crafty people caught by the schemes they devise. The plans intended to secure their success become their downfall. Paul quotes his words about crafty people as true (1 Corinthians 3 verse 19), even though Eliphaz misuses them against Job.

God gives hope to people oppressed by the mighty.

Rain waters fields, and God raises those who mourn. Eliphaz describes the needy rescued from violent words and powerful hands. These acts show why lowly people can seek God rather than worship human strength.

Eliphaz promises more than he knows.

He tells Job that dangers will pass, possessions will be safe and children will flourish. A full old age completes his picture. God has given Eliphaz no such promise about how Job must regain these blessings.

Memorise

He takes the wise in their own craftiness; the counsel of the cunning is carried headlong.

Job 5:13

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what proud certainty must I bring to Jesus for forgiveness?

Eliphaz says, “He takes the wise in their own craftiness”. Paul uses this truth when teaching the Corinthians to abandon boasting in human wisdom. A friend can speak a true sentence while making a false judgment about a sufferer.

God’s saving wisdom brings us to the crucified Christ. Jesus died for His people and suffered for their sins. The cross accomplished their redemption fully, leaving no debt for another sacrifice to pay. Jesus rose bodily, and the Savior who died now lives. Human cleverness cannot improve on what God has done through His Son.

Give up the pride that claims to know better than God. Turn from your sins and rely on Jesus Christ. Those who seek pardon through His blood are forgiven. He gives His people a sure salvation, even when the earthly recovery they long for remains uncertain.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God’s wisdom defeats proud schemes, while Eliphaz gives Job an unwarranted guarantee of earthly safety. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for His wisdom above our schemes, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:3-5

Father, thank You that You defeat proud schemes and give hope to the needy. Lead each of us to turn from sin and trust Jesus. Keep us from promising what You have not promised, and teach us to offer truthful comfort this week. Amen.